The Best Iron On Patches
These days, you don't have to be a professional seamstress to alter your favorite duds. From fabric inks to hand-held bedazzlers, there are so many ways to glam up your trusted garments at home. But when it comes to embellishing and mending your clothes in one fell swoop, you can't beat the convenience of an iron-on patch. Thanks to their no-frills application, you could fix up a classic pair of jeans or backpack without needing a sewing kit. To help you get started, we've rounded up our favorite iron-on appliques available today.
What to Look For
We took the design, ease of application, and durability of each patch into consideration when vetting the top contenders on our list. If you’re looking for a vibrant, cute patch that takes less than a minute to iron on, consider the assortment of embroidered patches by Harsgs. But if it’s long-lasting stickiness that you’re after, then opt for the denim patch set by Zeffka. These sturdy patches are made to keep up with your jeans and your lifestyle. Check out the rest of our patch picks below.
Harsgs Embroidered Iron On Patches
Speedy and snazzy
Many alterations require proper equipment and expertise. That’s why one of the perks of iron-on patches is how quick and easy they are to apply. These colorful embroidered patches by Harsgs take the cake when it comes to ease of application. Simply set your iron to a medium heat setting, press it on the patch for 10-15 seconds, and wear your new badge of flair with pride.
Pros:
- The patches in this set vary not only in design but also in size, so they’re equally suited to adult and children’s clothing.
- Thanks to the detailed embroidery on each patch, you can feel your favorite designs in addition to seeing them.
Cons:
- The glue won’t survive too many turns in the washing machine, so you may want to stitch the edges of each patch for added security.
Axen Assorted Iron On Patches
More possibilities for one low price
Expressing yourself shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. And this applies to customizable accessories, too. This variety pack of iron-on patches by Axen will help you keep costs down without compromising on selection. You’ll find 60 unique patches in this super affordable applique set, including everything from cartoon characters to vintage logos to trendy emojis.
Pros:
- While you don’t need to stitch these particular patches on, the set comes with an extra sewing kit in case you want a bit more security.
- With so much variety inside, you’ll have plenty of patches to choose from whether you’re using them for boy’s or girl’s accessories.
Cons:
- The gentle glue on these patches means they take longer to apply.
Rongyuh Fashion Iron On Patches
Sew their love of style
It’s never too early to start experimenting with fashion. But if the younger ladies in your life may not be skilled with a sewing needle just yet, then this set of glamorous iron-on patches by Rongyuh may come in handy. The set includes six super cute embroidered patches with applique designs ranging from unicorns to cupcakes. They don’t just look great, but they’re also super easy to apply.
Pros:
- Though these patches need more ironing time for application, the sturdy glue on the back of each one ensures they won’t fall off in the wash.
- Patches don’t just go on clothing and backpacks. You can also spruce up your favorite shoes with this girly accessory set.
Cons:
- These patches are quite stiff so you’ll want to consider where you place them on your children’s clothing.
Zefffka Denim Iron On Patches
Iron, mend, match
Few things are more frustrating than getting a hole in your favorite pair of jeans. But with a denim patch like the ones in this versatile set by Zefffka, you can fix stubborn rips and tears in a matter of minutes. Made with 100% cotton, the fabric is designed to match different jean types, while the four available colors will ensure your patch blends right in. Most importantly, the glue on the back of the patch is super strong to ensure a long-lasting repair.
Pros:
- Your jeans get dirty, and so do your patches. Thankfully, these babies can withstand even the highest of machine temperatures when you need to give your pants a rinse.
- Not all holes look the same. That’s why these patches are as easy to cut as they are to apply, giving you full control of the mending process.
Cons:
- If you have a bigger hole to cover, then you’ll need to use two patches at once as each one is quite small.
The Carefree Bee Retro Iron On Patches
For groovier garments
Vintage clothes tend to be more fragile than their modern counterparts. Fortunately, iron-on patches can bring your retro regalia back to life. We love these particular patches by The Carefree Bee because they channel the spirit of the 60s and 70s while getting the job done at the same time. Unlike their vintage inspiration, these patches are designed to last thanks to their thick design.
Pros:
- Due to the larger size of these retro patches, you can use them to mend bigger holes in your vintage duds.
- The vibrant threads on each patch don’t just make the designs look great, they also help to prevent fading over time.
Cons:
- You may need to reapply some of the patches in this set after several wears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iron-on patch on any material?
Most of the time, you’ll see iron-on patches on denim materials primarily made from cotton fibers. These help the adhesive to hold securely and also prevent the iron from burning the material. Other materials, meanwhile, like vinyl, nylon, or leather, can become scorched during the application process, so you shouldn’t use iron-on patches with them.
How can I get my patch to stay on more securely?
While the durability of the patch largely depends on the strength of the glue, there are a few tricks you can use to ensure a better application. Firstly, set your iron to medium-high heat. Then, with a cloth over the face of the positioned patch, apply heat to the patch for 30-45 seconds. Make sure you heat the back side of the patch, too, by turning the garment inside out. Lastly, repeat the process several times to ensure secure adhesion.
About the Author
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